Carrying case for bottles and the like



May 15, 1962 J. BALFOUR ETAL CARRYING CASE FOR BOTTLES AND THE LIKE Filed April 17, 1959 2 SheetsSheec 1 IN V EN goRs A L E LL Q PH 5 l F O R BY aim &

May 15, 1962 Jj BALFOUR ETAL 3,034,679

CARRYING CASE FOR BOTTLES AND THE LIKE Fil ed April 17, 1959 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 60 l 54 I I 83 57 5s 80a 3 so $3 58 y, 12 K63 F4 13 l I H 8 as 60 IL I". .1 E

fig A INVENTORS Don/ALB R 5 vzu J DSEPII 84L Fol/R 1 i By ee lz6' I F9516. 2 I

ited States Patent M 3,034,679 CASE FOR BGTTLES AND Tim. LIKE Joseph Balfour and Donald H. Rcvell, Louisville, Ky, as-

signors to Reynolds Metals Company, Richmond, Va, a corporation of Delaware Filed Apr. 17, I959, Ser. No. 8tl7,ll9 22 C15. ((Il. ZZQ-Zl) This invention relates to an improved carrying case for bottles, and the like, in which the side wall portion of the case is made from extruded metal, such as aluminum or its alloys, the extrusion having a continuous cross-section, and in which some of the dividers are made of inverted T-shape, preferably of similar extruded metal and in which other of the dividers are made from simple rod constructions, also preferably made of similar metal.

The extruded sidewall material is made of aluminum or its alloys, which produce extrusions of relatively complicated cross-section and which permit such extrusions to be worked and formed into the desired shapes for the construction of the carrying case. The floor, and some of the dividers are made of an inverted T-shaped extrusion, also of similar metals. Other dividers, perpendicular to the last named divider-s are made from straight rods which pass through said first named dividers, and are formed of the above metals by extrusion and/or drawing methods. Other dividers are made from a horizontal zig-zag rod having a plurality of straight upper partition forming courses parallel to and vertically aligned with said straight rods and separated by a plurality of sidewall engaging courses which are perpendicular to said partition forming courses. All of these elements are made of the above metals, by extrusion and/or drawing methods and may be readily assembled in a very simple and efficient manner.

The carrying case construction is such that all of the members forming the carrying case may be substantially interlocked and held together by two similar securing joints located adjacent opposite obliquely disposed corners of the case, such joints being held together by simple securing means, such as rivets, bolts or the like.

The construction of the case also is such that all of the main components are of a design which permits final assembly to be made by a simple sidewise movement followed by a simple joint fastening procedure together with a flange bending or curling procedure.

Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide a substantially rectangular or multiple sided carrying case, the sidewalls of which are made from extruded metal having a continuous relatively flat cross-section, which is coordinated with a plurality of inverted T- shaped members which form the floor and some of the vertical dividers of the case, and with rod constructions forming dividers perpendicular to the first named dividers, the construction being such that the members forming the carrying case are securely interlocked by securing joints between the side walls and by further joint operations and flange bending or curling operations.

Another object of this invention is to provide a carrying case according to the foregoing object in which the side-Walls of the case are formed by a pair of similar inwardly facing forming members, each member forming one complete side, or first substantially straight wall, of the case and having integral therewith a short end, or second substantially straight wall forming leg at right angles to the main member.

Another object of this invention is to provide a carrying case according to the foregoing object, in which the long end, or third wall forming leg is provided with an aperture forming a hand hold for the case.

Another object of this invention is to provide a carrying case according to any of the foregoing objects in 3,34,679 Patented May 15, 1962 which the sidewall forming members may be laterally moved with respect to each other to interlock with the floor and dividers, and to form the securing joints so that the members of the case may be locked together by the two joints by a simple fastening operation, followed by a further simple joint forming operation and by a flange curling or bending operation.

Another object of this invention is to provide a carrying case in which an extended sidewall construction forms the sides of the case and has two inward integral flanges along one of the sides of the case, and a horizontal rod forming a partition in the case having a perpendicularly bent end overlapping said flanges, one of the flanges being curled around said end to aid in holding the rod in place.

Another object of this invention is to provide a carrying case in which some of the partitions are made by a horizontal, zig-zag rod having a plurality of straight partition forming courses separated by a plurality of side Wall engaging courses which are perpendicular to said partition forming courses.

Further objects will become apparent as the description proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIGURE 1 is a view in perspective of a carrying case embodying this invention.

IGURE 2 is a combined cross-section and perspective of a portion of the carrying case.

FIGURE 3 is an exploded view, in perspective, of the case shown in FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 4 is an end view of the carrying case shown in FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 5 is a top view of the carrying case shown in FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 6 is a cross-section taken along the line 6-6 of FIGURE 5.

FIGURE 7 is a cross-section taken along the line 7-7 of FIGURE 5.

FIGURE 8 is a cross-section, on enlarged scale, taken along the line 88 of FIGURE 6.

FIGURE 9 is a cross-section, on the same scale as FIGURE 8, taken along the line 9-9 of FIGURE 6.

FIGURE 10 is a cross-section, turned ninety degrees, taken along the line lib-ll of FIGURE 8-.

FIGURE 11 is a cross-section, on enlarged scale, taken along the line llll of FIGURE 4.

FIGURE 12 is a typical cross-section of the extrusion used for forming the sidewalls of the carrying case.

FIGURE 13 is a typical cross-section of the extrusion used to form the floor and some of the dividers of the carrying case.

FIGURE 14 is the side elevation of an extruded blank used to form an expanded metal divider construction, such blank having a cross-section substantially the same as in FIGURE 13, and being sloted for an expanding operation.

FIGURE 15 is a side elevation of a divider made by expanding the blank of FIGURE 14.

FIGURE 16 is a cross-section taken along the line 16-16 of FIGURE 15.

The words horizontal, vertical, and similar c011- notations, are used herein for convenience in describing the invention, it being understood that such description is applied to the case in its normal article carrying position, and that the case may be in other positions at various times, at which times such connotations might not apply.

A substantially rectangular, or multiple-sided, carrying case, according to this invention, preferably has a pair of opposed vertical sides, or substantially straight walls, 20 and 2.1, and a pair of opposed vertical ends, or substantially straight walls, 23 and 24, as indicated by arrows in FIGURE 1. A pair of similar, somewhat L- shaped inwardly facing, extruded metal, sidewall forming members 26 and 27 are indicated by arrows in FIGURE 3, and each has a main member 28 extending along one complete side, or substantially straight wall, or 21 of FIGURE 1, of the carrying case. Each such main member 28 has formed integrally therewith a short leg 36 which forms a portion of one end, or second substantially straight wall 23 or 24, in FIGURE 1, of the carrying case. Each main member 28 also has an integral long leg 32 which forms a portion of the other end, or third substantially straight wall, 23 or 24 in FIGURE 1 of the carrying case. The vertical sides 20 and 21 and the vertical ends 23 and 24 preferably are joined by somewhat gentle curves at the corners, and the flanges to be described have notches 33 cut out at such corners, to permit bending of the extrusion without wrinkling or deforming the channels, flanges, etc. later to be described. Under certain conditions, the legs and 32 may be of equal length.

The floor, and some of the dividers of the case are formed of a plurality of inverted T-shaped extrusions, 34, 35 and 36.

Other and upper dividers for the carrying case, which are perpendicular to the dividers 34, 35 and 36, are formed by a horizontal zig-zag rod 37, FIGURE 3. This zig-zag rod has a plurality of parallel straight partition forming courses 37a, which are separated by a plurality of sidewall engaging courses 37b, which are perpendicular to the courses 37a. The zig-zag rod 37 also has end courses 370.

Other and lower partition forming straight rods 38 are parallel and vertically aligned with the partition forming courses 37a of the zigzag rod 37.

The side members 26 and 27, FIGURE 3, the floor and divider forming members 34, 35 and 36, the zig-zag rod 37, and the straight rods 38 are so shaped that they may be substantially secured together by two similar securing joints 41 and 42, FIGURE 1. Each joint 41 and 42 is produced at a straight end 44 of a short leg 36, and at an offset end 45 of a long leg 32 of the other sidewall forming member 28, as shown in FIGURE 3. As shown in FIGURES 8 and 10, the ends 44 and 45 overlap and are directed toward each other to form the joint 41 or 42. These joints are located adjacent opposite obliquely disposed corners 47 and 48 of the carrying case, FIG- URE 5. After all of the parts of the case have been assembled together, in a loose manner, the L-shaped members 26 and 27, FIGURE 3, are moved toward each other to overlap the ends 44 and 45 to form the joints 41 and 42, so the pinlike members 50 can pass horizontally through the openings 51 in the ends 44 and 45, as shown in FIGURES 3, 8 and 10. The pinlike members 50 may be rivet pins, which may be riveted on the inside of the case, if desired, or they may be bolt and nut constructions. Any other securing means, such as spot welds, etc., may be used. When these joints 41 and 42 are so secured, all of the components of the case are initially secured together by such joints, and if desired the case may be disassembled for repairs or the like, by releasing the joints 41 and 42 by drilling out the pinlike members 50, if they are rivet pins, or by disengaging the bolt and nut constructions, or by drilling out spot welds. The further joint forming operations on the dividers also may be disassembled, or reversed, when the case is to be disassembled.

If desired, the end 45 of the leg 32 may be severed at 52, 52a and 52b, FIGURE 3 to accommodate flange and channel constructions later to be described.

A typical cross-section of the extruded metal, which forms the sides and ends of the carrying case, is shown in FIGURE 12. For convenience, it is designated as a side 28, but the cross-section of FIGURE 12 is equally applicable to end legs 30 and 32, except where the extmded member has been changed by forming operations herein described. Such extruded member, as shown in FIGURE 12, has a main body, which has been designated as 28, to which an upper channel 54 is integrally connected at the top of the extruded member. Another channel 56 is integrally secured at the bottom of the extruded member. If desired, stiffening ribs 57 are formed at the outer upper portion of the extrusion. The outer wall 53 of the lower channel 56 is outwardly offset, and is made of thick cross-section to produce a combined ornamental and stiffening element.

The upper channel 54 is formed by the flanges 60 and 61, while the channel 56 is formed by the flanges 62 and 63. The purpose of these flanges will become apparent as the description proceeds.

The floor and divider forming partitions 34, 35 and 36 have relatively large openings 65 cut from the main web 66 of these partitions, to reduce the weight thereof. Other openings 68, FIGURE 7, are cut to receive the straight rods 38. The ends of the members 34 and 36 have tongues or tabs 70 and 71 formed thereon which extend into the slots 72 and 73 in the sidewalls of the case. The tongues 70 and 71 are inserted into and bent at the notches 74, FIGURE 11, which notches are formed by offsetting a portion of the main body of the sidewall extrusion, as indicated at 75, FIGURE 11. This produces a smooth joint and prevents injury to the user. Similar tongues or tabs 76 and 77 are formed in the divider 35 to engage similar slots in the sidewall. In addition, the end of the divider 35 is cut away at 78 to permit a better hold on the case, when the fingers are inserted in the hand hold 79 which is cut into the long leg 32 heretofore described. Flanges 79a and 79b are formed at the upper and lower edges of the hand hold 79. The lower flanges 80 of the members 34, 35 and 36 are sufficiently close to each other, when assembled, s that they form the floor of the case and support the bottles inserted therein. The flanges 80 have lengthwise beads 80a along their edges. The ends of the flanges 80 rest on the inward flange 63 of the sidewall extrusion and are supported thereby. Notches 82 are formed in the main bodies 66 of the members 34, 35 and 36 to accommodate the flange 62 of the sidewall extrusion. A flat bead or cross member 83 is formed at the top of the members 34, 35 and 36 to help support the divider forming courses 37a of the zigzag rod 37, as will become apparent. These members 83 may be cut short at the ends a slight amount, to accommodate the flange 61 of the sidewall extrusion, if desired.

The straight rods 38 pass through openings 68 in the webs 66 of the members 34, 35 and 36. The ends of the rods 38 rest on the flange 62, as is apparent in FIGURE 2.

The zig-zag rod 37 has its various wall engaging courses 37b and 37c inserted under the flange 60 and above the flange 61, and within the channel 54 of the sidewall extrusion. The end courses 370 are placed under the flange 60 at the ends of the case and then the flange 60 is curled or bent downwardly at 60a, as shown in FIGURE 8, to secure said end courses in place. The straight upper partition forming courses 37a pass perpendicularly across the cases, as indicated in FIGURE 5. The sidewall engaging courses 37b pass under the flange 60, as shown in FIGURE 6, and the flange '60 is bent or curled downwardly at 60b to lock the courses 37b in place. The curling operation at 60a and 60b preferably is formed after the L-shaped members 26 and 27 of FIGURE 3 have been brought together, and after the joints 41 and 42, shown in FIGURE 1, have been riveted together. This bending or curling operation may be done simultaneously or individually by suitable tools. The curling of the flange at 60b, FIGURE 2, is not continuous throughout the side, but is performed only between the courses 37a in a manner to form notches 60e which lock the courses 37 a against lateral movement.

The members 34, 35 and 36 may be formed by an expanding method indicated in FIGURES 14, 15 and 16. The body or blank 166, of FIGURE 14, is substantially of the same cross-section as FIGURE 13. However, a

plurality of slots 167 are cut in the blank. Thereafter, the blank is vertically expanded so that the slots 167 form the openings 168 and 116%, shown in FIGURE 15. The holes 68 are cut after the expansion operation. The lower flanges, the holes 68 and the upper bead or top 83 may be substantially the same as in members 34, 35 and 3d. All other details of members 34, 35 and 3d are incorporated in members shown in FIGURES l4 and 16, whether indicated or not.

In assembling the case, the rods 38 are inserted in the openings 68 of the members 34, 35 and 36 while the L-shaped members 26 and 27 are slightly separated. The tongues or tabs 70, 7]., 76 and 77 at the ends of the members 34, 35 and 36 are inserted in corresponding slots 72 and 7 3, in the leg :32 at each end of the case. The zig-zag rod 37 is placed on top of the members 3 35 and as, under the flange 6t), and over the flange 61 of the sidewall extrusion. The members 26 and 27 are then telescoped toward each other. The slight looseness of the joints of the components permit this sidewise or telescoping movement. Thereafter, the joints 41 and 42 are riveted together and the flange 60 is bent or curled downwardly around the courses 37 b and 370 as previously described, securely to lock the zig-zag rod 37 in place.

Each of the straight rods 38 are vertically aligned with a partition forming course to form vertical bottle receiving openings between divider forming members 34, 35 and 36. The bottles inserted in these vertical openings rest on the bottom forming lower flanges 80 of the dividers 34, 35 and 36.

It is to be seen that a verysturdy, simple and eflicient carrying case for bottles and the like is produced by simple extrusion members which can be bent and worked by simple operations evident to those skilled in the art. Preferably, the material used for the extrusions is aluminum or aluminum alloys, so the members formed thereby are strong, noncorrosive, and of a pleasing appearance; The maintenance cost also is very small.

While the preferred form of the invention has been disclosed, in accordance with the requirements of the statutes, other forms may be used, all coming within the scope of the claims which follow.

What we claim is:

1. A carrying case for bottles and the like comprising: a pair of similarly inwardly facing extruded metal sidewall forming members each having a main member forming a first substantially straight wall of said case and having integrally therewith a short leg at right angles to said main member and forming a portion of a second substantially straight wall of said case, said main member also having a long leg forming a portion of a third substantially straight wall of said case; a plurality of inverted T-shaped parallel dividers extending between opposite walls of said case; a plurality of lower partition forming straight rods perpendicular to said dividers; and a horizontal zigzag rod having a plurality of straight upper partition forming courses parallel to said straight rods and separated by a plurality of side wall engaging courses which are perpendicular to said partition forming courses, said side wall engaging courses being secured to two opposite side walls of said case, said dividers, straight rods, and zigzag rod being shaped to be substantially secured together by two similar securing joints, each joint being produced at an end of a short leg of one of said side wall forming members and at an end of a long leg of the other of said side wall forming members, said joints being located adjacent obliquely disposed corners or" said case.

2. A carrying case according to claim 1 in which each of said long legs have hand-hold openings formed therein.

3. A carrying case for bottles and the like comprising: a pair of similarly inwardly facing extruded metal sidewall forming members each having a main member forming a first substantially straight wall of said case and having integrally therewith a leg at right angles to said main member and forming a portion of a second substantially straight wall of said case, said main member also having another leg forming a portion of a third substantially straight wall of said case; a plurality of inverted T-shaped parallel dividers extending between opposite walls of said case; a plurality of lower partition forming straight rods perpendicular to said dividers; and a horizontal zigzag rod having a plurality of straight upper partition forming courses parallel to said straight rods and separated by a plurality of side wall engaging courses which are perpendicular to said partition forming courses, said side wall engaging courses being secured to two opposite side walls of said case, said dividers, straight rods, and zigzag rod being shaped to be substantially secured together by two similar securing joints, each joint being produced at an end of a one leg of one of said side wall forming members and at an end of a leg of the other of said side wall forming members, said joints being located at opposite side walls of said case.

4. A multiple sided carrying case for bottles and the like, comprising: an extruded side wall construction forming the sides of said case and having two inward integral flanges along one of the sides of the case; a horizontal rod forming a partition in said case and having a perpendicularly bent end portion overlapping said flanges and between said flanges and a straight partition forming portion extending therefrom, one of said flanges having a first portion thereof curled around said bent portion to aid in holding said rod in place and having a second portion curled around said partition forming portion to define a notch with said other flange and through which said partition forming portion extends 5. A carrying case according to claim 4 in which said one flange is at the top of said extruded side wall construction.

6. A multiple sided carrying case for bottles and the like, comprising: an extruded side wall construction forming the side walls of said case and having an integral, inward horizontal flange along two opposite sides of said case; a horizontal, zigzag rod having a plurality of straight partition forming courses separated by a plurality of side wall engaging courses which are perpendicular to said partition forming courses, said side wall engaging courses being secured to said opposite sides by said integral, inward horizontal flange having first portions thereof respectively curled around said side wall engaging courses and having second portions respectively curled around said partition forming courses to define notches between said first portions and through which said partition forming courses extend.

7. A multiple side carrying case for bottles and the like, comprising: a relatively flat metal side wall construction forming the side walls of said case and having an integral, inward horizontal flange along two opposite sides of said case; a horizontal, zigzag rod having a plurality of straight partition forming courses separated by a plurality of side wall engaging courses which are transversely directed relatively to said partition forming courses, said side wall engaging courses being secured to said side walls by said integral, inward horizontal flange having first portions thereof respectively curled around said side wall engaging courses and having second portions respectively curled around said partition forming courses to define notches between said first portions and through which said partition forming courses extend.

8. A multiple sided carrying case for bottles and the like, comprising: an extruded side wall construction forming the side walls of said case and having two integral, inward horizontal flanges along two of the sides of said case; a horizontal, zigzag rod having a plurality of straight partition forming courses separated by a plurality of side wall engaging courses which are transversely directed relatively to said partition forming courses and are disposed between said flanges, said side Wall engaging courses being secured to said side walls by one of said integral horizontal flanges having first por- 7' tions thereof respectively curled around said side wall engaging courses and having second portions thereof respectively curled around said partition forming courses to define notches with the other flange and through which said partition forming courses extend 9. A carrying case according to claim 8 in which said one flange is at the top of said side walls.

10. A rectangular carrying case for bottles and the like comprising: a relatively flat metal sidewall construction forming the sides of said carrying case; a plurality of inverted T-shaped parallel dividers extending between opposite walls of said case; a plurality of lower partition forming straight rods perpendicular to said dividers; and a horizontal zigzag rod having a plurality of straight upper partition forming member courses parallel to said straight rods and separated by a plurality of side wall engaging courses which are perpendicular to said partition forming courses, said side Wall engaging courses being secured to the opposite side walls of said case.

11. A carrying case according to claim 10, in which each of said straight rods is vertically aligned with a respective straight upper partition forming member.

12. A rectangular carrying case for bottles and the like comprising: a relatively flat metal sidewall construction forming the sides of said carrying case; a plurality of inverted T-shaped parallel dividcrs extending between opposite walls of said case with the inverted branches of adjacent dividers forming the floor of said case; a plurality of lower partition'forming straight rods perpendicular to said dividers; and a horizontal zig-zag rod having a plurality of straight upper partition forming courses parallel to said straight rods and separated by a plurality of side wall engaging courses which are perpendicular to said partition forming courses, said side wall engaging courses being secured to two opposite side walls of said case.

13. A rectangular carrying case for bottles and the like comprising: a relatively flat metal sidewall construction forming the sides of said carrying case; a plurality of inverted T-shaped parallel dividers extending between opposite walls of said case; a plurality of lower partition forming straight rods perpendicular to said dividers and passing through the vertical central walls of said inverted T-shaped parallel dividers; and a horizontal Zigzag rod having a plurality of straight upper partition forming courses parallel to said straight rods and separated by a plurality of side wall engaging courses which are perpendicular to said partition forming courses, said side wall engaging courses being secured to two opposite side walls of said case. t

14. A rectangular carrying case for bottles and the like comprising: a relatively flat metal sidewall construction forming the sides of said carrying case, and having a pair of inward flanges adjacent the top of said side-wall con-' struction; a plurality of inverted T-shaped parallel dividers extending between opposite walls of said case; a plurality of lower partition forming straight rods perpendicular to said dividers; and a horizontal zigzag rod having a plurality of straight upper partition forming member courses parallel to said straight rods and separated by a plurality of side wall engaging courses which are perpendicular to said partition forming courses, said side wall engaging courses being secured to two opposite side walls of said case between said pair of inward flanges.

15. A carrying case according to claim 14, in which one of said flanges is curled to secure said side wall engaging courses in place.

16. A carrying case according to claim 14 in which one of said flanges is curled to secure said side wall engaging courses in place and in which said last named flange is notched around said upper partition forming courses to lock said last named courses against lateral movement.

17. A rectangular carrying case for bottles and the like comprising: a relatively flat metal sidewall construction forming the sides of said carrying case, and having a pair of inward flanges adjacent the top of said sidewall construction; a plurality of inverted T-shaped parallel dividers extending between opposite walls of said case with the inverted branches of adjacent dividers forming the floor of said case; a plurality of lower partition forming straight rods perpendicular to said dividers and passing through the vertical central walls of said inverted T-shaped parallel dividers; and a horizontal zigzag rod having a plurality of straight upper partition forming member courses parallel to said straight rods and separated by a plurality of side wall engaging courses which are perpendicular to said partition forming courses, said side wall engaging courses being secured to two opposite side walls of said case between said pair of inward flanges, said dividers, straight rods, and zigzag rod being shaped to be substantially secured together by two similar securing joints, each joint being produced at an end of a short leg of one of said side wall forming members and at an end of a long leg of the other of said side wall forming members, said joints being located adjacent obliquely disposed corners of said case.

18. A carrying case according to claim 17, in which one of said flanges is curled to secure said side wall engaging courses in place and in which said last named flange is notched around the upper partition forming courses to lock said last named courses against lateral movement.

19. A rectangular carrying case for bottles and the like comprising: a relatively flat metal sidewall construction forming the sides of said carrying case; a plurality of inverted T-shaped parallel dividers of uniform T-cross section extending between opposite walls of said case, said dividers each having a horizontal portion provided with a pair of opposed longitudinal edges and being disposed with the edges thereof separate from adjacent edges of adjacent dividers; and a plurality of uniformly cross sectioned rods extending perpendicularly to said T-shaped parallel dividers.

20. A carrying case according to claim 19, in which said rods pass through the main webs of said T-shaped parallel dividers.

21. A carrying case according to claim 20, in which said uniformly cross sectioned rods rest on the upper edges of said T-shaped parallel dividers, and are secured to other opposite walls of said case.

22. A carrying case according to claim 20, in which a plurality of said rods are located near the bottom of said case, and other of said rods are located near the top of said case.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 912,273 Klenk Feb. 9, 1909 1,010,772 Klenk Dec. 5, 1911 1,324,580 Birnstock Dec. 9, 1919 2,574,983 Reed Nov. 13, 1951 2,648,456 Baxter Aug. 11, 1953 

